Medical implement distribution and collection system

ABSTRACT

A sharps dispensing and disposal system configured for mounting within an interior of an enclosure is disclosed. The sharps dispensing and disposal system includes a dispensing chamber and a disposal chamber that are each configured to be substantially enclosed within the interior of the enclosure. The dispensing chamber and the disposal chamber are defined by separate containers that are each formed from a leak resistant material.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/120,119 to Robert A. Brown et al. entitled MEDICAL IMPLEMENTDISTRIBUTION AND COLLECTION SYSTEM, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a distribution and collection systemfor medical implements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a hospital, doctor's office or home environment setting, soiledsyringes or other medical implements are commonly deposited in adisposal container following their use. Unused, sterile syringes orother medical implements are commonly obtained from a source separatefrom the disposal container. It is somewhat inconvenient at times,however, to provide a source of unused, sterile medical implements and aseparate container for collecting the soiled medical implementsfollowing their use. In other words, it is sometimes disadvantageousfrom a convenience standpoint for medical practitioners to have onelocation from which implements are obtained and a separate location inwhich implements are disposed of.

Attempts have been made to overcome this inconvenience. For example,improved syringe dispensing and collecting systems for personal use aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,152,394, which illustrates a syringedispensing and collecting system comprising a cylindrical containerhaving a sterile hypodermic needle storage chamber and a separate soiledhypodermic needle collection chamber. The storage chamber is maintainedin an outer peripheral region of the cylindrical container and thecollection chamber is maintained in a central region of the cylindricalcontainer. The storage chamber and the collection chamber are separatedby an inner cylindrical wall. A telescoping cover mounted to the top ofthe container defines an opening configured to accept a soiledhypodermic needle. An outer wall of the container provides an outletopening for the passage of sterile hypodermic needles from the storagechamber.

Nevertheless, there continues to be a need to further develop andimprove disposal and collection devices for medical implements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention a sharps dispensing and disposalsystem configured for mounting within an interior of an enclosure isprovided. The enclosure has a first opening for receiving soiled sharpsand a second opening for dispensing sharps. The sharps dispensing anddisposal system comprises a dispensing chamber configured to besubstantially enclosed within the interior of the enclosure and removedfrom the interior of the enclosure. The dispensing chamber is adapted tocontain sharps and has an access opening for passage of sharps from thedispensing chamber. The access opening is positioned for alignment withthe second opening of the enclosure to facilitate passage of sharps fromthe enclosure, and the dispensing chamber includes a trough portiondefining the access opening and positioned proximal a base of thedispensing chamber. The trough portion comprises a door movable betweenan open position and a closed position, wherein the trough portionprovides a passage through the access opening when the door is in theopen position and the trough portion obstructs the access opening whenthe door is in the closed position.

According to that aspect of the invention, the sharps dispensing anddisposal system further comprises a disposal chamber that is configuredto be substantially enclosed within the interior of the enclosureadjacent the dispensing chamber and removed from the interior of theenclosure. The disposal chamber is adapted to collect soiled sharps andhas an inlet opening for passage of soiled sharps into the disposalchamber and a door positioned proximal the inlet opening. The door hasan open position configured to permit access to an interior of thedisposal chamber and a closed position configured to inhibit access tothe interior of the disposal chamber. The inlet opening is positionedfor alignment with the first opening of the enclosure to facilitatepassage of soiled sharps into the enclosure. The dispensing chamber andthe disposal chamber are defined by separate containers that are eachformed from a leak resistant material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is best understood from the following detailed descriptionwhen read in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is emphasizedthat, according to common practice, the various features of the drawingsare not to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the variousfeatures are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Included inthe drawings are the following figures:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a medical implementdispensing and disposal system according to an aspect of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1mounted within a closed enclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1mounted within an open enclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a medicalimplement dispensing and disposal system according to an aspect of thisinvention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4mounted within a closed enclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4mounted within an open enclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a medicalimplement dispensing and disposal system according to an aspect of thisinvention;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 inconjunction with a flip lid;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7mounted within a closed enclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7mounted within an open enclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein withreference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to belimited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be madein the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claimsand without departing from the invention.

The invention is best understood from the following detailed descriptionwhen read in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, whichshows exemplary embodiments of the invention selected for illustrativepurposes. The invention will be illustrated with reference to thefigures. Such figures are intended to be illustrative rather thanlimiting and are included herewith to facilitate the explanation of thepresent invention.

As used herein, the term medical implement refers to any commonlyconsumed device used for medical purposes, such as but not limited to asharp, syringe, tongue depressor, lancet, scalpel, slide, pipette andthe like.

Referring generally to the figures, a medical implement dispensing anddisposal system 100, 200, 300 according to exemplary aspects of thisinvention is comprised of a medical implement dispensing container orcontainer portion 120, 220, 310′ defining a dispensing chamber; a soiledmedical implement collection container or container portion 110, 210,310 defining a collection chamber; and an optional enclosure 130, 230,330 to house both chambers. The collection chamber defined by container110, 210, 310 is configured to collect soiled medical implements andincludes an inlet 111, 211, 317 positioned for the passage of the soiledmedical implements into the collection container 110, 210, 310. Thedispensing chamber defined by container 120, 220, 310′ is configured tocontain unused medical implements and includes an access opening 129,223, 317 positioned for the passage of unused medical implements intothe container 120, 220, 310′. The collection chamber defined by thecontainer 110, 210, 310 and the dispensing chamber defined by thecontainer 120, 220, 310′ are separate from one another to substantiallyprevent the integration of soiled and unused medical implements.

The dispensing and collection chambers are housed within the enclosure130, 230, 330 and positioned adjacent to one another. The enclosure 130,230, 330 provides an opening 131, 231, 331 to access the inlet 111, 211,317 of the collection chamber defined by container 110, 210, 310. Theenclosure 130, 230, 330 also provides an opening 132, 232, 332 to accessthe access opening 129, 223, 317 of the dispensing chamber defined bycontainer 120, 220, 310′. The enclosure 130, 230, 330 includes a lockingdoor 135, 235, 335 to inhibit unauthorized access to the dispensingcontainer 120, 220, 310′ and the collection container 110, 210, 310.

Although an enclosure 130, 230, 330 is selected for illustration, anenclosure 130, 230, 330 is an optional component of the medicalimplement dispensing and disposal system 100, 200, 300. A medicalimplement dispensing and disposal system 100, 200, 300 may include onlya dispensing chamber such as the one defined by the dispensing container120, 220, 310′ and a collection chamber such as the one defined by thecollection container 110, 210, 310, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4 and 7.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3,more specifically FIG. 1, a medical implement dispensing and disposalsystem according to one aspect of this invention is generally designatedby the numeral 100. The system 100 includes a collection chamber definedby a collection container 110 and a dispensing chamber defined by adispensing container 120. The collection container 110 includes a bodyportion 118, a lid 112 and an inlet 111 formed in the lid 112. Thedispensing container 120 includes a body portion 128, a lid 122, a chute123 and an access opening 129.

The collection container 110 of the exemplary embodiment is configuredto store soiled medical implements. The walls of the collectioncontainer 110 define an interior body portion 118 and compose thestructure of the collection container 110. The soiled medical implementsare stored within the interior body portion 118. A lid 112 is positionedon the top wall of the collection container 110 to provide access to thebody portion 118. The lid 112 defines an inlet opening 111 for passageof the soiled medical implements into the body portion 118.

The lid 112 comprises all or a portion of the top wall of the collectioncontainer 110. In this embodiment, the lid 112 includes a slideablescreen that is pivotable between an open position (as illustrated inFIG. 1) and a closed position. The position of the screen defines thesize of the inlet opening 111 through which the soiled medicalimplements are passed. The user pivots the screen to close the inletopening 111, for example, to restrict access to the interior bodyportion 118 filled with soiled medical implements. The user may alsoclose the inlet opening 111 to prevent the leakage of soiled medicalimplement or contents thereof during transportation.

The lid 112 may be integrally formed with the top wall of the collectioncontainer. Alternatively, the lid 112 may be a discrete componentmounted to the top wall of the collection container as shown in FIG. 1.The lid 112 can be mounted to the top wall of the collection container110 using a hinge, adhesive, weld, clip, clamp or any other mechanicalfastening method commonly known in the art. Although the lid 112 andintegral inlet 111 are positioned on the top wall of the collectioncontainer 110 in this embodiment, the lid 112 and inlet 111 could bepositioned on the upper portion of any side wall of the collectioncontainer 110 or at any other location, depending on other aspects ofthe design.

The dispensing container 120 of the exemplary embodiment is configuredto dispense sterile, unused medical implements 124. The walls of thedispensing container 120 define the interior body portion 128 andcompose the structure of the dispensing container 120. The sterilemedical implements 124 are stored within the interior body portion 128.A lid 122 is hingedly connected to the top end of the dispensingcontainer 120 by a hinge 121 to provide access to the interior bodyportion 128. The lid 122 pivots between an open position and a closedposition (as illustrated in FIG. 1). In use, the lid 122 is pivoted toan open position to load sterile medical implements 124 into theinterior body portion 128 of the dispensing container 120. The lid 122is pivoted to a closed position, as shown, to inhibit access to thesterile medical implements 124.

An access opening 129 is formed on the lower end of a side wall toprovide access to the sterile medical implements 124. An extendablechute 123 is hingedly connected to the bottom end of the dispensingcontainer 120 by a hinge 125. The chute 123 comprises two side walls anda front wall extending between the side walls. The extendable chute 123pivots between an open position (as illustrated in FIG. 1) and a closedposition. In the open position, the extendable chute 123 facilitates thecontrolled passage of sterile medical implements 124 from the bodyportion 128 via access opening 129. In the open position, the chute 123also forms an effective barrier to prevent the medical implements 124from uncontrollably surging out of the access opening 129. In the closedposition, the chute 123 obstructs the access opening 129, therebypreventing access to the sterile medical implements 124 within the bodyportion 128.

For the purposes of shipping and handling, the chute 123 and lid 122 aremaintained in the closed position to prevent the escapement ofpre-packaged sterile medical implements 124. The chute 123 and lid 122are also maintained in the closed position to reduce the overallshipping size of the dispensing container 120. Although not illustrated,the chute 123 and lid 122 may incorporate locking features, to furtherprevent unauthorized access to the sterile medical implements 124.

In use and according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1,one or more of the pre-packaged sterile medical implement(s) 124 areremoved from the extended chute 123 of the dispensing container 120 foruse, i.e. soiling. The formerly sterile medical implement(s), nowsoiled, are prepared for disposal and then inserted into the bodyportion 118 via inlet opening 111. After the body portion 118 of thecollection container 110 is filled to capacity, the lid 112 is closed toprevent access to the body portion 118 through the inlet opening 111.

The containers 110, 120 of the exemplary embodiment may be formed by aninjection molding process or blow molding process or any known formingprocess. Alternatively, the walls of the containers may be separate andadhered, welded, snapped and/or clipped together. The containers 110,120 are desirably composed of a substantially leak resistant materialsuch as polypropylene or polyethylene. The containers 110, 120 may bepartially or completely transparent or translucent for the purpose ofmonitoring the level of medical implements within the containers.

Although not illustrated, a single universal container could incorporatethe features of both containers 110 and 120. The universal containerwould provide both a lid 112 (with inlet opening 111) and an extendablechute 123. When used as a dispensing container, the extendable chute 123of the universal container would be extended to an open position and thelid 112 would be rotated to a closed position. When used as a collectioncontainer, the extendable chute 123 of the universal container would beretracted to a closed position and the lid 112 would be rotated to anopen position. Manufacturing, inventory and/or tooling a singleuniversal dispensing/collection container in lieu of two separatecontainers could represent a significant cost savings.

Referring specifically now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the medical implementdispensing and disposal system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is mounted inan enclosure 130, according to one aspect of this invention. Asmentioned previously, although an enclosure 130 is selected forillustration and included as a component of this exemplary embodiment,the enclosure 130 is an optional component of the dispensing anddisposal system 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates the medical implement dispensing and disposal system100 maintained in an enclosure 130, wherein the door 135 of theenclosure 130 is in a closed position. FIG. 3 illustrates the door 135of the enclosure 130 in an open position. The enclosure 130 accommodatesthe containers 110, 120 for storage and safety purposes withoutinhibiting the functionality of the collection container 110 and thedispensing container 120. Accordingly, the enclosure 130 provides anopening 132 to accommodate the extendable chute 123 of the dispensingcontainer 120. The opening 132 provides adequate clearance so that theextendable chute 123 may extend through the enclosure door 135 withoutobstruction (as illustrated in FIG. 2).

The enclosure 130 also provides an inlet opening 131 substantiallyaligned with the inlet opening 111 of the collection container 110 topermit the passage of soiled medical implements through the inletopening 111. The inlet opening 131 includes a plurality of side walls138 that extend into or toward the interior of the enclosure 130 tocontact or terminate proximal the top side of the collection container110. The side walls 138 prohibit the soiled medical implements fromunintentionally descending into the interior of the enclosure 130 orentering the chute 123.

The enclosure 130 comprises five sidewalls and a hingedly connected door135. Although the enclosure 130 comprises five sidewalls, the enclosuremay have any number of sidewalls. The door 135 is hingedly connected toa sidewall of the enclosure 130, by a hinge 137, as illustrated in FIG.3. The door 135 may be connected to any of the sidewalls of theenclosure 130, as the orientation and position of the door 135 is notlimited to the illustration shown.

One or more supports 136 are provided on the base of the enclosure 130.The supports 136 are configured to maintain the enclosure 130 in anupright position when the enclosure 130 is mounted on a surface such asa floor or desk. Alternatively, although not shown, the rear wall of theenclosure 130 may provide holes, slots or brackets for mounting theenclosure 130 to a wall.

A window 133 is provided on the door 135 of the enclosure 130. Thewindow facilitates the monitoring of soiled medical implements withinthe collection container 110 when the door 135 is in the closedposition, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In use, a user monitors the level ofthe soiled medical implements within the collection container 110 todetermine when to replace the collection container 110.

A lock 140 is provided on the door 135 of the enclosure 130 to preventunauthorized access to the interior of the enclosure 130. The lock 140engages with a side wall of the enclosure 130.

The enclosure 130 of the exemplary embodiment may be formed by aninjection molding, blow molding, casting or other forming process.Alternatively, the walls of the enclosure may be separate and adhered,welded, snapped and/or clipped together. The enclosure 130 may becomposed of a material such as polypropylene or polyethylene or othersuitable material.

Similar to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3,another exemplary embodiment of a medical implement dispensing anddisposal system is illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 6. The medicalimplement dispensing and disposal system 200 includes a collectioncontainer 210 defining a collection chamber configured to collect soiledmedical implements and a dispensing container 220 defining a dispensingchamber configured to dispense medical implements. In this exemplaryembodiment the dispensing container 220 and the collection container 210are formed from a single unitized body. Manufacturing, inventory and/ortooling of a single dispensing/collection container in lieu of twoseparate containers could represent a significant cost savings. Thedispensing container 220 includes a body portion 228 and an accessopening 223. The collection container 210 includes a body portion 218. Alid 222 is mounted to the top end of the collection container 210 andthe dispensing container 220.

Similar to the previous embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, thelid 222 incorporates a slideable screen 212 that is pivotable between anopen position (as illustrated in FIG. 4) and a closed position. Theposition of the screen 212 defines the size of the inlet opening 211through which the soiled medical implements are passed. The slideablescreen 212 may be integral with the lid 222 or mounted (e.g. snapped oradhered) onto the lid 222 as illustrated in FIG. 4.

The collection container 210 and the dispensing container 220 are formedfrom a single unitized body. An interior wall 221, shown as a dottedline, is positioned within the interior of the containers and separatesthe collection container 210 from the dispensing container 220. Theinterior wall 221 prevents the integration of the soiled and sterilemedical implements. The access opening 223 accommodates the passage ofsterile medical implements from the dispensing container 220. A lid 222is provided to cover the exposed top side of the containers 210, 220.The lid 222 is mounted to the top side of the containers 210, 220 by anymechanical mounting means known in the art, e.g. tongue and groove,clips, clamps, welds, adhesive, etc.

The unitized containers 210, 220 of the exemplary embodiment may beformed by an injection molding process or blow molding process or otherknown manufacturing process. Alternatively, the walls of the containersmay be separate and adhered, welded, snapped and/or clipped together.The containers 210, 220 are desirably composed of a substantially leakresistant material such as polypropylene or polyethylene. The containers210, 220 may be partially or completely transparent or translucent forthe purpose of monitoring the level of medical implements within thecontainers.

Referring specifically now to FIGS. 5 and 6, similar to the previousembodiment, the medical implement dispensing and disposal system 200illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 is mounted in an enclosure 230. FIG. 5illustrates the medical implement dispensing and disposal system 200maintained in an enclosure 230, wherein the door 235 of the enclosure230 is in a closed position. FIG. 6 illustrates the door 235 of theenclosure 230 in an open position. The door 235 is hingedly connected tothe enclosure 230 by a hinge 237. A window 233 is provided on the door235 for monitoring the soiled medical implements within the collectioncontainer 210. A lock 240 is also provided on the door 235 to preventunauthorized access to the interior portion of the enclosure 230.

Unlike the previous embodiment however, the enclosure 230 of thisexemplary embodiment incorporates the extendable chute 238. The chute238 is hingedly connected to the door 235 by hinge 239 and aligned withthe access opening 223 of the dispensing container 220. The extendablechute 238 facilitates the controlled passage of sterile medicalimplements 224 through an access opening 232 of the enclosure 230 andthe access opening 223 of the dispensing container 220. In the openposition, the chute 238 also forms an effective barrier to prevent themedical implements 224 from uncontrollably surging out of the accessopening 223 of the dispensing container 220, while concurrentlyproviding user access to the sterile medical implements 124. In theclosed position, the chute 238 obstructs the access opening 223 of thedispensing container 220, thereby prohibiting unauthorized user accessto the sterile medical implements 224. In the retracted position (i.e.closed position), the side walls of the chute 238 are positioned oneither side of the dispensing container 220.

The enclosure 230 provides an opening 231 substantially aligned with theinlet opening 211 of the collection container 210 to permit the passageof soiled medical implements through the inlet opening 211. The inlet231 of the enclosure 230 includes a plurality of side walls 234extending into the interior of the enclosure 230. The side walls 234 aremaintained in frictional contact with the lid 222 and provide a barrierto prohibit the soiled medical implements from unintentionallydescending into the interior of the enclosure 230.

Similar to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 6,another exemplary embodiment of a medical implement dispensing anddisposal system is illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 9. The medicalimplement dispensing and disposal system 300 includes a collectioncontainer 310 defining a collection chamber configured to collect soiledmedical implements and a dispensing container 310′ defining a dispensingchamber configured to facilitate the distribution of medical implements.In this exemplary embodiment a single universal container is configuredto be both a dispensing container 310′ and a collection container 310.In one orientation the container operates as a dispensing container 310′and in another orientation the container operates as a collectioncontainer 310. Referring specifically to FIG. 7, the container shown tothe left is oriented as a collection container 310 and the containershown to the right is oriented as a dispensing container 310′. Thecollection container 310 is oriented upright and the dispensingcontainer 310′ is oriented inverted.

The universal container 310, 310′ may be advantageous from amanufacturing, inventory and/or tooling perspective. The fabrication ofa single dispensing/collection container in lieu of two differentcontainers may represent a significant cost savings.

The container 310, 310′ includes a body portion 312 and a lid 315. Thelid 315 is removably mounted to the top side 313 of the body portion312. The lid 315 may be integrated with the body portion 312 or aseparate component as illustrated in FIG. 7. The lid 315 includes anintegral flange portion 322 positioned along the periphery of the lid315. The purposed of the flange portion 322 will be described in furtherdetail later. The lid 315 may be composed of sheet-metal or formed by amolding process.

A barrier wall 316 formed in the lid 315 extends into an opening 317. Inthe dispensing orientation (310′), the barrier wall 316 contains thesterile medical implements to facilitate the controlled passage ofsterile medical implements through the opening 317 of the lid 315. Thebarrier wall 316 also forms an effective barrier to prevent the medicalimplements from uncontrollably surging out of the opening 317.

The exemplary embodiment of the dispensing container 310″ illustrated inFIG. 7A includes a flip lid 370 pivotably coupled to the barrier wall316. The flip lid 370 is configured to pivot between an open positionand a closed position. The flip lid 370 illustrated in FIG. 7A is shownin a partially open position. Although the flip lid 370 selected forillustration is incorporated with a dispensing container 310″, the fliplid 370 may also be incorporated with a collection container 310. In theopen position the flip lid 320 either provides access to the sterilemedical implements within the dispensing container 310″ or the soiledmedical implements within the collection container 310. In the closedposition the flip lid 370 obstructs the opening 317 thereby prohibitingaccess to the soiled medical implements within the collection container310 or the sterile medical implements within the dispensing container310″. A lock 372 is coupled to the barrier wall 316 to preventunauthorized access to the containers 310, 310″. The lock is especiallyadvantageous to safely obstruct the opening 317 of the collectioncontainer 310 upon handling and transportation of the container 310.

Referring specifically now to FIGS. 8 and 9, similar to the previousembodiments the medical implement dispensing and disposal system 300illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 are accommodated in an enclosure 330. FIG.8 illustrates the medical implement dispensing and disposal system 300maintained in an enclosure 330, wherein the door 335 of the enclosure330 is in a closed position. FIG. 9 illustrates the door 335 of theenclosure 330 in an open position. As shown in FIG. 9, the dispensingcontainer 310′ is illustrated on the left hand side of the enclosure 330in an inverted orientation and the collection container 310 isillustrated on the right hand side of the enclosure 330 in an uprightorientation.

The enclosure 330 provides an opening 331 positioned to accommodate thelid 315 of the collection container 310. The enclosure 330 also providesan access opening 332 substantially aligned with the opening 317 of thedispensing container 310′ to facilitate the passage of sterile medicalimplements from the dispensing container 310′. Two rail sections 340accommodate the flange portions 322 of the collection container 310. Theflange portions 322 engage with and translate along the rail sections340. The two rail sections 340 limit the collection container 310 fromshifting in the x direction. The door 335 and rear wall of the enclosurelimit the collection container 310 from shifting in the y direction. Abarrier 342 formed on the lower wall of the enclosure 330 limits thedispensing container 310′ from shifting in the x direction. The door 335and rear wall of the enclosure limits the dispensing container 310′ fromshifting in the y direction.

In use, after all of the sterile medical implements within thedispensing container 310′ have been utilized and the collectioncontainer 310 is sufficiently filled with soiled medical implements, thefilled collection container 310 is removed from the enclosure 330 andsafely disposed of to provide space for an empty collection container310. The empty dispensing container 310′ is inverted to change itsfunctionality from a dispensing container 310′ to a collection container310. The collection container 310, which was previously an emptydispensing container 310′, is mounted on the right hand side of theenclosure 330 in an upright position. A new dispensing container 310′filled with sterile medical implements is mounted on the left hand sideof the enclosure 330.

Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 9, thesterile medical implements may be pre-packaged within the dispensingcontainer 310′ to facilitate quick installation of the system 300. Theopening 317 may be sealed with a removable barrier to prevent theescapement of the sterile medical implements from the dispensingcontainer 310′ during shipment. It is contemplated that an enclosure 330with or without a dispensing container 310′ and/or a collectioncontainer 310 could be packaged and shipped to a user. It is alsocontemplated that an individual dispensing container 310′ and/or acollection container 310 could be packaged and shipped to a user, withor without an enclosure 330.

Although this invention has been described with reference to particularembodiments selected for illustration in the Figures, it will beappreciated that many variations and modifications can be made to thesystems 100, 200, 300 and the components thereof without departing fromthe spirit or the scope of this invention. For example, it should benoted that it is not required that the unused medical implements aresterile, as the dispensing container is configured to hold a medicalimplement in any condition. Although several molding processes arementioned, the systems and components thereof are not limited to anyspecific manufacturing process or material. Additionally, although thecollection and dispensing containers selected for illustration are shownside by side, the collection container may be positioned above thedispensing container, or vice versa.

1. A sharps dispensing and disposal system configured for mountingwithin an interior of an enclosure having a first opening for receivingsoiled sharps and a second opening for dispensing sharps, said sharpsdispensing and disposal system comprising: a dispensing chamberconfigured to be substantially enclosed within the interior of theenclosure and removed from the interior of the enclosure, saiddispensing chamber being adapted to contain sharps and having an accessopening for passage of sharps from said dispensing chamber, said accessopening being positioned for alignment with the second opening of theenclosure to facilitate passage of sharps from the enclosure, and saiddispensing chamber including a trough portion defining said accessopening and positioned proximal a base of said dispensing chamber,wherein said trough portion comprises a door movable between an openposition and a closed position, wherein said trough portion provides apassage through said access opening when said door is in said openposition and said trough portion obstructs said access opening when saiddoor is in said closed position; and a disposal chamber configured to besubstantially enclosed within the interior of the enclosure adjacentsaid dispensing chamber and removed from the interior of the enclosure,said disposal chamber being adapted to collect soiled sharps, saiddisposal chamber having an inlet opening for passage of soiled sharpsinto said disposal chamber and a door positioned proximal said inletopening, said door having an open position configured to permit accessto an interior of said disposal chamber and a closed position configuredto inhibit access to the interior of said disposal chamber, said inletopening being positioned for alignment with the first opening of theenclosure to facilitate passage of soiled sharps into the enclosure;wherein said dispensing chamber and said disposal chamber are defined byseparate containers that are each formed from a leak resistant material.2. The sharps dispensing and disposal system of claim 1, said dispensingchamber including an inlet opening and a lid movable to an open positionin which sharps can be deposited into said dispensing chamber throughsaid inlet opening of said dispensing chamber.
 3. The sharps dispensingand disposal system of claim 2, said lid being hingedly connectedadjacent said inlet opening of said dispensing chamber, said lid beingconfigured to pivot between said open position and a closed position. 4.The sharps dispensing and disposal system of claim 1 wherein said doorof said dispensing chamber is pivotable between said open position andsaid closed position.
 5. The sharps dispensing and disposal system ofclaim 1, said door of said dispensing chamber having a wall at leastpartially forming said trough portion when in said open position.
 6. Thesharps dispensing and disposal system of claim 5, said door of saiddispensing chamber having side wall portions and a front wall portionextending between said side wall portions.
 7. The sharps dispensing anddisposal system of claim 1, said dispensing chamber containing at leastone sharp.
 8. The sharps dispensing and disposal system of claim 1, saiddoor of said disposal chamber being rotatably coupled to the disposalchamber between the open position for permitting access to an interiorof said disposal chamber and the closed position for inhibiting accessto the interior of said disposal chamber.
 9. The sharps dispensing anddisposal system of claim 8, said door of said disposal chamber beingmounted for rotation between said open and closed positions.